University of Nairobi, Nation Media Group to Enhance Partnership

University of Nairobi has rewarded up to 419 students who have performed well from the Academic Year 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. The prize giving ceremony was held at the University of Nairobi, Taifa Hall on April 27, 2018.

The Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, who was the Chief Guest during the prize giving day, observed that rewarding good performance in research and academia is one of the best ways to motivate students to continue pursuing education. She quoted Chanakya, an Indian teacher and philosopher who once said that “Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.” She committed to continue supporting the university so that students can benefit from high-quality educational experience.

Speaking during the award ceremony, University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi, took the opportunity to thank the players from industry who came forward to support the event via cash donations, trophies and medals. “Students are inspired to accomplish better performance and conform to appropriate behaviours when rewarded. Good mentorship has the power to unlock university students’ potential consequently efforts to build this kind of motivation are also, typically, efforts at promoting student learning. They are long-lasting and self-sustaining, “ he said.

Prof. Mbithi urged more companies to come forward to support the development of human resource potential in the country by supporting academic endevours. “As such, we have a mandate of working concurrently with partner industries and corporations so as to mould our academic programs, structures and student skills to meet the needs of the external industry. Through this, we play the vital role of providing workforce training that successfully meets the employers’ development needs within the required timeframes,” he stated.

The event was supported by players from industry like Crown Paints who donated a cash award of Kshs. 100,000. Other companies that supported the prize giving day include: Kenindia Insurance, Knight Frank, PriceWaterHouseCoopers, Institute of Surveyors, General Motors, among others. Staff members who also donated cash awards and trophies include; Prof. Peter Mbithi, Prof. Crispus Kiamba, Prof. Stephen Kiama, Prof. PLO Lumumba and Prof. Jane Mariara among others.